Extendable Storage Component for a Storage System

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for supporting an extendable and retractable storage component between two cantilevered brackets of a storage or organization system, to which have been mounted drawer slides. A hanging bracket, to which a drawer slide may be joined, is suspended from one side of a cantilevered bracket by a connector that cooperates with a ledge projecting from the side of the cantilevered bracket to position and orient the drawer slide to extend in a direction parallel to the axis of the cantilevered bracket. Spacers mounted on the drawer slide engage the underside of the ledge and the side of the hanging bracket help to stabilize the hanging bracket by interfering with movement of the drawer slide associated with swinging and pivoting of the hanging bracket about it axes parallel and transverse to the axis of the cantilevered bracket that extending through the connector.

BACKGROUND

Conventional configurable, modular storage systems typically rely on cantilevered brackets connected to a vertical or upright element to support shelves, drawers, and other modular storage components having standard dimensions that can be assembled into any number of different configurations to accommodate space limitations and storage needs. Elfa International AB makes and sells several types of storage systems.

The standard parts that comprise these systems typically include a vertical standard that is held vertically by attaching or hanging it on a wall using fasteners, tracks or cleats (sometimes referred to as a “hang standard”) or supporting it on a base or footing (an “upright”). Two or more vertical standards are placed or located a predetermined distance apart. Each standard has a plurality of connection points to which the brackets can be attached.

In a typical system, each vertical standard has plurality of connection points arranged along its length at regular intervals, to which one or more cantilevered brackets can be connected. One end of a cantilevered bracket is connected to a standard. The opposite end of the bracket extends away from the standard and remains unsupported. Most systems allow for joining a cantilevered bracket to a standard using an integrated fastener or connector so that a cantilevered bracket can be easily connected at any one of a plurality of discrete positions on the standard without the use of a separate fastener and tool. It is usually also possible to easily remove and reconnect a cantilevered bracket at a different connection point in such systems. The load carried by the bracket is transferred to the vertical standard through the connection or interface between the bracket and the vertical standard.

The connection between a cantilevered bracket and a vertical standard can take many different forms. In one common type of connection at least one extending member is inserted into an opening. Shifting the cantilevered bracket downward with respect to the standard locks the base of the cantilevered bracket against the standard, preventing it from shifting any further downward or pulling away from the standard, while still allowing the cantilevered bracket to be disconnected by shifting it upward with respect to the vertical standard. The extension can be formed on the vertical standard or the base of the cantilevered bracket, though it is most often integrated with the cantilevered bracket. One example of such an extension is a tab-shaped member extending from the base of the cantilevered bracket, with a slot formed in the tab to form a hook-like member. When inserted into a slot formed on the vertical standard, the slot on the tab drawer slides over a bottom edge of the opening forming the slot on the vertical standard.

A pair of cantilevered brackets, each connected to a vertical standard, can be used to support a component for storing or organizing items or acting as work surfaces, such as shelves, baskets, sliding drawers, and any other type of component for storing, organizing and displaying clothing, clothing accessories, books, papers, files, equipment, and decorative and useful objects. These components will generically be referred to as “storage components.” The end user selects and installs from a system's standard parts to assemble one or more storage components that meets the user's needs and fits within the available space. Assembly is usually relatively easy and requires a minimal number of tools. The systems also typically allow for easy disassembly, adjustment, and re-use of parts to assemble different configurations. The components of such systems can also function as or be assembled to create desks, work surfaces, seating, and other furniture-like arrangements, depending on components and accessories that are available.

SUMMARY

Disclosed below are embodiments of apparatus and methods for supporting an extendable and retractable storage component between two cantilevered brackets of a storage or organization system. A drawer slide is supported on each cantilevered bracket by suspending it from a cantilevered bracket. The apparatus allows a drawer slide to be easily installed in a correct position and orientation and held firmly in place, and, if desired, removed, without requiring the drawer slide to be affixed directly to the cantilevered bracket with a fastener or other complicated means, as is typically required with drawer slides are attached to a cabinet.

The apparatus is comprised of a hanging bracket adapted to be easily suspended from a cantilevered bracket, to which a drawer slide can be easily joined. The hanging bracket has at least one integrated connector shaped and positioned on the hanging bracket to cooperate with a complementary structure defined on the cantilevered bracket so that it resists downward movement and supports a load of a storage component when coupled with the hanging bracket, while permitting at least one movement that allows it to be attached and detached.

In one representative embodiment, an extendable and retractable storage component is mounted between two cantilevered brackets and supported on drawer slides that hang from the cantilevered brackets. Each drawer slide is joined to a hanging bracket that is suspended from one side of each cantilevered bracket by a connector that cooperates with a projecting member on the side of the cantilevered bracket. The hanging bracket positions and orients the drawer slide to extend in a direction parallel to the axis along which the cantilevered bracket extends. Spacers mounted on the drawer slide engage the underside of the projecting member and the side of the cantilevered bracket help to stabilize the hanging bracket by interfering with movement of the drawer slide associated with swinging or pivoting of the hanging bracket about axes parallel with and transverse to the axis of the cantilevered bracket.

In another, representative embodiment, the hanging bracket is connected by orienting it in a first position in which the at least one integrated connector can be inserted into one or more openings on the cantilevered bracket, and then rotated to a position in which it is suspended from the cantilevered bracket and correctly positions and orients a drawer slide attached to it to support an extendable storage component between two cantilevered bracket.

To counteract or resist swinging of the hanging bracket when it is suspended from the cantilevered bracket, and thus also improve the stability of the drawer slides as the storage component is extended and retracted, at least one spacer may be attached to the drawer slide prior to it be joined to the hanging bracket. The spacer cooperates with the cantilevered bracket to prevent the hanging bracket from swinging toward the cantilevered bracket. In at least one embodiment, a top portion of the at least one spacer may engage an interfering structure on the cantilevered bracket in a manner that reduces pivoting of the hanging bracket about the connector in at least one direction, thus stopping the drawer slide from pitching in a vertical direction as a storage component is extended and retracted. Positioning spacers on opposite sides of the at least one connector prevents pivoting in both directions around the connector.

Furthermore, at least one spacer may, optionally, be shaped to resist or prevent the hanging bracket from rotating away from the cantilevered bracket to a position in which it can be disconnected from the cantilevered bracket once the drawer slide is joined to the hanging bracket.

In one exemplary embodiment, a cantilevered bracket includes a ledge or similar structure that projects inwardly and has a horizontal surface to support one side of shelf or other fixed structure spanning a gap between two cantilevered brackets positioned on adjacent vertical standards. A hanging bracket is comprised of a connector in the form of a projecting extension that is shaped and formed for insertion into an opening or gap associated with the projecting ledge when the hanging bracket is oriented in a first position and, after it is inserted and the hanging bracket is rotated to a second position in which the extension engages a horizontal surface on the ledge, thus suspending the hanging bracket from the cantilevered bracket. In the second position, the hanging bracket correctly orients and positions a drawer slide joined to it to support an extendable storage component between a pair of the cantilevered brackets. Once in the second position, the hanging bracket and the extension may be shaped such that it cannot be removed without being damaged or deformed except by rotating it toward the first position. The hanging bracket may include more than one connector.

At least one spacer may be attached to the drawer slide when it is joined to the hanging bracket to interfere with a side wall of the cantilevered bracket to prevent the drawer slide, when joined to the hanging bracketing, from swinging toward the cantilevered bracket. The at least one spacer may also be shaped to interfere with an undersurface of the projecting ledge when the drawer slide tries to rotate or swing away from the cantilevered bracket, toward the first position, thus reducing the risk the hanging bracket falling off after the drawer slide is joined to it. Furthermore, a spacer engaging the projecting ledge interferes with the drawer slide pivoting in a vertical plane about the connection in at least one direction. Placing spacers on opposite sides of the connector allows the projecting ledge to interfere with the pivoting of the drawer slide in a vertical plane about the connector in both directions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view from the top and to one side of an extendable storage component mounted on drawer slides between two cantilevered brackets.

FIG. 2 is perspective view from the bottom and to one side of the extendable storage component of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a cantilevered bracket and drawer slide from the storage component of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the cantilevered bracket and drawer slide shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a top view of the cantilevered bracket and drawer slide shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is an end view of the cantilevered bracket and drawer slide shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the cantilevered bracket and drawer slide shown in FIG. 3A, with a hanging bracket rotated for installation.

FIG. 5 is exploded view of the cantilevered bracket and drawer extension shown in FIG. 3A, with a hanging bracket installed and spacers attached to the drawer slide.

FIG. 6A is a side view of the hanging bracket shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 6B is an end view of the hanging bracket shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a front view of one of the spacers shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7B is a back view of the spacer shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is an end view of the spacer shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D is a perspective view of the spacer shown in FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, like numbers refer to like elements. The following description contemplates a storage or organization system comprising modular or standardized parts that can be assembled into different configurations depending on the needs of the end user and available space. Standardized components have standardized dimensions, allowing a storage unit to be assembled into different configurations and have multiple storage components of the same type or different types.

Such storage and organizational system typically rely on standards that are held in a vertical orientation and cantilevered brackets that are connected to the vertical standards by a mechanical joint. Although described with reference to a representative example of a storage system in which they may be used to particular advantages, various features and aspects of the storage system components described below can be adapted to other types of modular storage systems that make use of cantilevered brackets, including systems that are not wall mounted and that use vertical standards of different construction.

In the representative storage system illustrated in the accompanying figures, the vertical standards (not shown) are supported in a vertical orientation on a wall. The standard can be fastened to the wall with any type of fastener, such as a screw, bolt, or nail, for example, held against the wall by one or more clips or brackets that are connected to the wall, or hung from one or more cleats or rails that are connected to the wall. However, other ways of supporting the vertical standards could be used. For example, a base on the floor or bracing that extends from the floor, walls and/or ceiling, could be used alone or in combination to support standards. The vertical standards could also be supported at each end by a floor and a ceiling. Once the standards are placed, such systems usually, but need not always, allow reconfiguration of the storage components and the addition of new components.

To install a typical, wall-mounted storage system, two vertical standards are mounted at predetermined distance from each other. A system may have one or more standard separation distances that correspond to the width or widths of its standard storage components. A cantilevered bracket is then connected at corresponding heights on each vertical standard so that they are level. A storage component is then mounted between the brackets.

Additional storage components can be mounted to form a column or stack of two or more storage components by connecting additional pairs of brackets at different heights. The system can be expanded by adding one more additional vertical standards, allowing for two or more columns of storage components arranged side-by-side.

FIGS. 1 to 7D depict a representative, non-limiting example of an assembly that comprises a storage component for a storage system that can be extended outwardly, in a generally horizontal direction, to improve access and functionality. In this example, the storage component is an extendable pant rack 102 with an optional shelf 105 that remains in a fixed position. Other types of storage components could be substituted for the pant rack, such as a drawer, extendable shelf, rack, or basket Similarly, other types of storage or organizational components or accessories could be substituted or the shelf 105, such as a rack, slanted shelf, basket, or similar component.

The pant rack is mounted between a pair of cantilevered brackets 104 a and 104 b using a pair of drawer slides 106 a and 106 b. The drawer slides allow the pant rack to be pulled to extend it outwardly from the cantilevered brackets—its extended position. In a fully extended position, as shown in FIG. 1, the pant rack extends far enough to avoid the optional shelf 105 visually obscuring or interfering with the use of the pant rack. The drawer slides also allow the pant rack 102 to be pushed back to a retracted position, under the shelf and between the cantilevered brackets.

Each of the drawer slides 106 a and 106 b is a type of drawer slide referred to as a side-mounted drawer slide. Another type of drawer slide is an under-mounted drawer slide. A drawer slide, such as drawer slides 106 a and 106 b, has at least two parts that move linearly with respect to each other, usually one inside the other. One of the at least two parts remains in a fixed position to a frame or other element intended to remain fixed, such as the cantilevered brackets 104 a and 104 b in this example, and the other part connects to an element that is intended to be extended and retracted, such as the pant rack 102 or other organizational or storage component that may be substitute for it.

In this example, each drawer slide is a “full extension” drawer slide comprised of three elongated tracks assembled in a nested fashion: a base track 108 that is held adjacent to one of the cantilevered brackets 104 a and 104 b, and intermediate track 110 that slides linearly within the base track 108, and a third track 112 that slides linearly within the intermediate track 110. The third track 112 is attached to the pant rack 102. The base track 108 remains positioned next to a cantilevered bracket 104 a or 104 b. The tracks may have a complementary shape that prevents relative movement of the tracks except along an extension axis—the axis along which the slide extends. A stop or a releasable lock may be used to prevent the tracks from extending too far, the releasable lock allowing a slide to be separated to make it easier to install. The drawer slides preferably include bearings to allow each track to move smoothly with respect to another track other while transferring a load that imposes a bending moment on the drawer slide. In this example, the drawer slides 106 a and 106 b transfer the weight and the bending moment created by the extended pant rack 102 when in an extended position, to each of the cantilevered brackets 104 a and 104 b. However, the bearings are not required. Alternatively, drawer slides that do not fully extend the organizational element to the fully extended position shown in FIG. 1 can be substituted. Other types of drawer slides could also be substituted for the one that is shown.

The pant rack 102 is comprised of a plurality of rods 114 or dowels mounted within a frame generally designated by reference number 116. The frame in this example comprises two side segments 116 a and 116 b, a front segment 116 c and a back segment 116 d arranged into a rectilinear shape, with the rods supported between the front and back segments. The side segments 116 a and 116 b connect to the drawer slides 106 a and 106 b, respectively, in particular to the track 112 of each drawer slide. Alternatively, the rods could be reoriented between the side segments, in which case the front and back sides 116 c and 116 d could be omitted. However, one benefit of the front segment is that it also hides the rods. Furthermore, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front extends laterally beyond each of the side segments 116 a and 116 b of the frame to hide the drawer slides 106 a and 106 b when the pant rack is retracted between the cantilevered brackets 104 a and 104 b. As shown, the front segment 116 c extends to and closely fits to the flat, vertical inside surfaces of brackets 104 a and 104b to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

A cantilevered bracket is comprised of an elongated portion that extends forward in a cantilevered fashion along a central axis from a base that comprises a connection interface. The elongated portion supports storage components and accessories. The connection interface comprises a means for joining the cantilevered bracket to a vertical standard. The connection interface preferably prevents the bracket from pivoting and translating while transfer the load on the cantilevered bracket to the vertical standard.

In the illustrated example, each cantilevered bracket 104 a and 104 b comprised of a elongated portion 118 (see FIG. 4) having a horizontal length extending from a proximal end 120, where the cantilevered bracket connects to a vertical support to a free, distal end 122. The elongated portion 118 projects outwardly along a generally horizontal axis from a vertical support when the cantilevered bracket is attached to it.

The illustrated embodiment is intended to be used with a recessed shelf 105. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, this particular example of a shelf has a flat top, side, and bottom surfaces at right angles to each other and a uniform thickness. The elongated portion 118 of the cantilevered bracket has two side surfaces 124 a and 124 b and a top edge 126. The top edge 126 in this embodiment is intended to be flush with an upper surface of the shelf 105 along most if not all of the length of elongated portion 118 of the bracket. However, this feature is not required. The shelf rests on an upper surface 130 of a support ledge 128 that extends at a right angle from the side surface 124 a or 124 b to which it is attached. The side surfaces 124 a and 124 b are, at least above the upper surface 130, flat or planar, and they are generally vertical, along most or all the length of elongated portion 118 of each cantilevered bracket so that they form a right angle with the upper surface 130 of the support ledge 128. When the cantilevered bracket is connected to a vertical standard, the top edge 126 is straight and generally horizontal (depending on how close to vertical the standard is mounted.) The top edge and the upper surface 130 of the support ledge 128, at least where it supports the shelf, will therefore extend generally in a horizontal direction as compared to the vertical standard. The distance between the top edge 126 and the upper surface 115 of the support ledge 128 is therefore also uniform or constant along the length of the support ledge 128. With this arrangement, the shelf may fit close to or against both the ledge and the side surface 124 a or 124 b of the cantilevered bracket to form a neat appearance. Due to construction of the cantilevered brackets 104 a and 104 b from a single sheet of material, side surfaces 124 a and 124 b are, in this particular example, flat or planar from the edge 126 to a bottom edge of the elongated portion 118 of the cantilevered bracket, and between the proximal end 120 and distal end 122. In alternative embodiments, the cantilevered brackets may be constructed differently while still employing at least some of the described features of the illustrated embodiment. However, the geometry of the side surfaces 124 a and 124 b, the upper surface 130 of each support ledge, and the top edge 126 can be changed to complement differently shaped shelves. Furthermore, for example, the upper surface 130 could be formed with one or more raised or lower surface portions that complement similarly shaped surfaces or surface features on the bottom of the shelf 105. Although they possibly offer benefits, the geometries of a cantilevered bracket 104 a or 104 b as shown can be varied and are not required for implementing the features and functions described below.

Ledge 128 is shown as a single element that is attached to the side surface. However, in alternative embodiments, the ledge could comprise two or more segments that are separated and, optionally, spaced apart to support the shelf. Using one, single ledge offers the advantage of simplified fabrication of the cantilevered brackets. References to a “ledge” or “support ledge” in the description and claims contemplate and are intended to refer to either a unitary or a segmented ledge unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Optional posts 131 extend into holes formed in the shelf 105. They prevent lateral movement relative to the ledge 128 of the shelf 105 or other structure of a storage component that might be supported by it. The posts also allow the shelf or other structure being supported by the pair of cantilevered brackets to tie together the cantilevered brackets 104 a and 104 b in a fixed relationship that creates a single, rigid assembly. The posts may, optionally, be used with a cam lock to prevent the shelf or other structural element from lifting away from the ledge or to tighten the shelf to the ledge to increase the strength and rigidity of the assembly.

A connection portion or connection interface 132 of each of the cantilevered brackets 104 a and 104 b comprises at least one rearward extension 134 and at least one back edge surface 136. The rearward extension acts, when inserted into a slot or opening in a vertical standard and set in a locked position, forms a joint to retain the cantilevered bracket on a vertical standard by preventing movement in-and-out, side-to-side, and downward with respect to the slot. A downward shift of the extension after the insertion locks or sets the connection and an upward shift unlocks it and allows it to be removed. The back-edge surfaces are parallel to and rest against a front surface of the vertical standard. The rearward extension 134 and back edge surfaces thus cooperate to transfer to the vertical standard the moment created by a load on the cantilevered bracket. In the illustrated embodiment, the back edge 136 and top edge 126 are at a right angle to each other. Although several different arrangements are possible, in this example the rearward extension 134 defines a vertical slot 138 that receives a lower transverse edge defining the opening or slot in a front wall of a vertical standard to which it is to be attached. The extension thus forms a hook-like portion that, when in a locked position, cooperates with an inside surface of a front wall of the vertical standard below the opening in which the rearward extension is inserted. In alternative embodiments, the rearward extension could instead include, for example, a portion that extends upwardly from an end of the rearward extension to catch an inside surface of the front wall of the vertical standard above the opening. More than one such rearward extension may be used.

The connection interface 132 also includes a second, tab-like rearward extension 140 that is below the first one and is optional. It cooperates with a slot lower on the vertical standard than the slot in which rearward extension 134 is inserted. It acts primarily to maintain vertical alignment of the bracket with the vertical standard. In this example, pushing the rearward extension 134 down to lock it aligns the tab-like rearward extension 140 with a lower slot, allowing it to enter the slot. The dimensions and location of the tab-like rearward extension 140 may be chosen to allow its upper edge to cooperate with the top edge of the slot to help to prevent unintended upward shifting of the bracket after it is in a locked position. Depending on its size, it may also be used to transfer some of the load on the cantilevered bracket to the vertical standard. A lower extension 142 extends the back-edge surface 136 to accommodates the second rearward extension 142 at a position necessary to align the rearward extensions 140 with a slot on the vertical standard.

Each cantilevered bracket 104 a and 104 b is, in this example, fabricated or cut from a single sheet or plate of rigid material such as steel or other metal. The connection interface 132 of the bracket can be formed by cutting it from the same sheet of material. Thus, the entire bracket, except for the ledge 128, which can be welded or affixed in some other manner, can be cut from a single sheet of material and will have a uniform thickness. However, other fabrication methods can be used. In alternative embodiments, the connection interface 132 may comprise different configurations that permit joining the cantilevered brackets to vertical standards. The features and functions described below are not limited to the specific example used by the illustrated embodiment.

Each of the drawer slides 106 a and 106 b is mounted on its respective cantilevered bracket 104 a and 104 b by a hanging bracket 144. The hanging bracket is suspended from and to one side of each cantilevered bracket 104 a and 104 b using a connector. In the illustrated embodiment, and as best seen in FIGS. 4-6B, the hanging bracket is made from a single sheet of metal that is cut and bent. The connector comprises an extension or projection 146 that is, in this example, formed by a cutting a tab when forming the hanging bracket and bending it so that there is at least one segment that extends horizontally, thus forming a hook or hook-like structure. However, it can be formed separately and attached to the body of the hanging bracket 144. The projection may also have a different shape and size.

In this example, the projection 146 forming the connector is shaped and sized to fit into an opening or slot 148 formed in the ledge 128 of the cantilevered bracket 104 a when the hanging bracket 144 is rotated into a position shown in FIG. 4. When rotated back to a position in which it supports a drawer slide, which is shown in FIG. 5, the projection 146 hangs from the ledge 128. The top or upper surface 130 of the ledge 128 may include an indentation 149 in which the projection rests to accommodate projection. The indentation is deep enough for the top of the projection to be at or below the level of the upper surface 130 that surrounds the indentation. This avoids forming a bump that would prevent the flat bottom of shelf 105 from resting squarely on top of the ledge 128. A bottom extension or ledge 150 may be included. The ledge may assist with orienting, supporting, and/or maintaining the orientation of the drawer slide when being joined or installed. It may also carry some or all of the load from the drawer slide on installed, and/or assist with supporting the drawer slide if a connection between the drawer slide and the hanging bracket loosens or fails. A portion 152 a of the body 152 of the hanging bracket is displaced away from the side 124 a of the cantilevered bracket 104 a to distance the drawer slide from the side 124 a of the elongated portion 118 of the cantilevered bracket. It also better accommodates the use of one or more fasteners to connect each of the drawer slides 106 a and 106 b to the hanging bracket 144. Top and bottom portions 152 b and 152 c of the body 152 rest against the side wall of the cantilevered bracket.

The spacers have a body 156 shaped to form a C-shaped structure that fits closely around the exterior of the base track 108 drawer slide to retain it on the drawer slide. This embodiment of the spacers may thus be retained on the drawer slides without a fastener or additional means for connecting. However, an additional fastener, set screw, clamp, adhesive, or other structure could be used to connect or assist with retaining the spacers on the drawer slide, especially if not shaped to complement and extend partially around the drawer slide as shown in the figures. As best seen in FIG. 3D, the thickness of the spacers 154 fills a gap between the drawer slide 106 a and the side 124 a of the cantilevered bracket 104 a. The spacers thus stop the hanging bracket from swinging toward the cantilevered bracket about an axis parallel to the central axis of the elongated portion 118 of the cantilevered bracket. For a secure and relatively rigid mounting of the drawer slide to the cantilevered bracket, with minimal unintended movement or shaking, a back surface (an example is shown in FIG. 7B) preferably (but not essentially) engages or sits against the side wall 124 a when the drawer slide 106 a is oriented vertically. Furthermore, the drawer slides are installed, each of the spacers 154 extends to the bottom or undersurface 155 of the ledge 128. Each spacer 154 has a top surface capable of resting firmly against the undersurface 155 of the ledge 128. By placing at least one spacer on opposite sides, the spacer prevents pivoting or pitching of the drawer slide in vertical plane about an axis that is transverse to the central axis of the elongated portion 118 of the cantilevered bracket.

In one, non-limiting example of a spacer 154, each spacer is comprised of top portion 158 that is, optionally, comprised of at least one longitudinal wall 158 a with a narrow, longitudinally extending top surface and at least one (in this his embodiment, more than one) transverse wall 158b with narrow, laterally extending top surfaces. The top surfaces of the walls fit tightly against the undersurface 155 of the ledge 128. Wall 158 a is laterally displaced from the back of spacer to accommodate a vertical portion of ledge 128 that attaches the ledge to the side wall 124 a. Relatively narrow contacting surfaces better accommodate an uneven undersurfaces of the ledge 128 (or other horizontally projecting feature or element that could be substituted) to ensure that each spacer engages the undersurface 155 at points displaced outwardly from the axis parallel to the axis of the elongated portion 118 around which the hanging bracket tends to swing outwardly to interfere with the swinging motion.

In one example of an installation method, the drawer slide 106 a is joined to the hanging bracket 144 using one or more fasteners, one example of which are screws 153, that extend through screw holes in the drawer slide and screw into corresponding holes 155 formed on portion 152 a of the body 152 of the hanging bracket 144. Alternatively, the drawer slide could be, for example, spot welded the hanging bracket, joined to the hanging bracket by mechanical means of than a separate fastener, adhered to the hanging bracket using a bonding agent, or some other way. The screws may be left loose to allow for play or a small amount of movement between the hanging bracket and the drawer slide to assist with installation. Spacers 154 are slid onto the outer, base track 108 of the drawer slide 106 a on either side of where the hanging bracket 144 will be joined to it. The spacers are, in a preferred method, initially placed on the drawer slide so that they are outward of the ends of the ledge 128. Once the projection 146 is inserted into slot 148 and the hanging bracket is rotated about an axis parallel to the elongated axis of the drawer slide, such that the main surface 152 a of the body 152 of the hanging bracket becomes parallel with the main surface 124 a of the cantilevered bracket 104 a and a horizontal portion of projection 146 enters the indentation 149. The spacers 154 are then pushed inwardly to a position under the ledge 128. If necessary, the drawer slide 106 a may pushed toward the ledge 128 until the top portions 158 of the spacers rest against the undersurface 155 of the ledge before the screws 153 are tightened.

The same hanging bracket 144 and spacers 154 are used to mount the drawer slide 106 b to cantilevered bracket 104 b in the same manner as they are used to mount the drawer slide 106 a to the cantilevered bracket 104 a.

The method and apparatus for supporting drawer slides described above can be used to support other types of storage and organization components. Non-limiting examples of storage or organizational components that could be substituted for the pant rack 102 include a shelf, basket, desk, drawer, and hook, as well as other types of racks. Furthermore, the pant rack 102, or a similar rack, can be used not only to hang pants but also ties, scarves, belts, and other types of clothing and accessories.

The foregoing description is of exemplary and preferred embodiments. The invention, as defined by the appended claims, is not limited to the described embodiments. Alterations and modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the invention. 

1. An apparatus for supporting an extendable and retractable storage component between two cantilevered brackets, the apparatus comprising: a cantilevered bracket having a proximal end with connection interface for a vertical standard and an elongated length extending along an axis and terminating with a free, distal end; and a hanging bracket suspended from one side of the elongated length of the cantilevered bracket, the hanging bracket having a member to orient extension of a drawer slide joined to the cantilevered bracket in a direction parallel to the axis of the cantilevered bracket.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hanging bracket comprises an integrated connector with a horizontally extending portion, the integrated connector being shaped and positioned on the hanging bracket to cooperate with a complementary structure defined on the cantilevered bracket that comprises a horizontal surface that interferes with downward movement of the horizontally extending portion.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, when the hanging bracket is suspended in a position that orients a drawer slide joined to it to extend in a direction parallel to the axis of the cantilevered bracket, the hanging bracket is in a first position, and wherein the connector and complementary structure are shaped for the connector to be insertable into and removable from the complimentary structure when the hanging bracket is in a second position that is not the first position.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, when the connector is inserted into the complementary structure, the hanging bracket may be rotated between the first and second positions.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the when the connector is inserted into the complementary structure, the hanging bracket may only be rotated between the first and second positions.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the bracket further comprises a ledge projecting in a generally horizontal direction from the side of the elongated length of the cantilevered bracket, the ledge comprising the horizontal surface.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the ledge defines an opening for receiving the connector.
 8. The apparatus claim 2, wherein the connector comprises an extension projecting from a top portion of the hanging bracket, the extension having a horizontal portion is configured to interfere with the horizontal surface.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hanging bracket is not connected with the cantilevered bracket with an additional fastener.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one spacer shaped for mounting to a drawer slide to be joined to the hanging bracket in a position that is between the drawer slide when it is joined to the hanging bracket and the side of the elongated length of the cantilevered bracket, each of the at least one spacers having a shape and size for interfering with movement of the drawer slide toward the side of the bracket due to swinging of the hanging bracket.
 11. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising at least one spacer adapted for mounting to a drawer slide to be joined to the hanging bracket in a position between the drawer slide when joined to the hanging bracket and the side of the elongated length of the cantilevered bracket, each of the at least one spacers being shaped and sized to interfere with movement of the drawer slide toward the side of the bracket due to swinging of the hanging bracket and to interfere with movement of the drawer slide toward the ledge due to pivoting of the hanging bracket.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a top portion of each of the at least one spacers has a top portion that extends transversely to the axis and interferes with movement of the drawer slide away from the side of the elongated length of the cantilevered bracket due to swinging of the hanging bracket.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the at least one spacer has a shape that complements the drawer slide to be joined to the hanging bracket and assists with retaining the spacer on the drawer slide.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of the at least one spacer is retained on the drawer slide without additional fasteners.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first drawer slide joined to the hanging bracket, wherein the apparatus is in combination with another cantilevered bracket supporting a second drawer slide and a storage component supported between the cantilevered brackets by each of the drawer slides and extendable forwardly from between the cantilevered bracket by extension of the drawer slides.
 16. A method for supporting an extendable and retractable storage component between two cantilevered brackets, each with an interface at a proximal end connected with a vertical standard and a free, distal end, the method comprising: suspending a hanging bracket along one side of an elongated length of each of the cantilevered brackets; joining a drawer slide to each hanging bracket, the hanging bracket having a member to orient extension of the drawer slide in a direction parallel to an elongated axis of the cantilevered bracket; and supporting a storage component on each of the drawer slides between the cantilevered brackets, whereby the storage component can be extended forwardly from between the cantilevered bracket by extension of the drawer slides.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the hanging bracket comprises an integrated connector with a horizontally extending portion, the integrated connector being shaped and positioned on the hanging bracket to cooperate with a complementary structure that is defined on the cantilevered bracket, the complementary structure comprising a horizontal surface that interferes with downward movement of the horizontally extending portion.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the hanging bracket is in a first position when the hanging bracket is suspended in a position that orients the drawer slide that is joined to it so that it extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the cantilevered bracket: and the connector and complementary structure are shaped for the connector to be insertable into and removable from the complimentary structure when the hanging bracket is in a second position that is not the first position.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the hanging bracket may be rotated between the first and second positions when the connector is inserted into the complementary structure.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising mounting at least one spacer between the drawer slide and the side of the elongated length of each cantilevered bracket, each of the at least one spacers having a shape and size to limit movement of the drawer slide toward the side of the bracket due to swinging of the hanging bracket. 